King James Version

What Does Numbers 7:14 Mean?

Numbers 7:14 in the King James Version says “One spoon of ten shekels of gold, full of incense: — study this verse from Numbers chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

One spoon of ten shekels of gold, full of incense:

Numbers 7:14 · KJV


Context

12

And he that offered his offering the first day was Nahshon the son of Amminadab, of the tribe of Judah:

13

And his offering was one silver charger, the weight thereof was an hundred and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary; both of them were full of fine flour mingled with oil for a meat offering:

14

One spoon of ten shekels of gold, full of incense:

15

One young bullock, one ram, one lamb of the first year, for a burnt offering:

16

One kid of the goats for a sin offering:


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The golden spoon weighing ten shekels, full of incense, represents prayer ascending to God. Incense consistently symbolizes prayer throughout Scripture. The gold vessel emphasizes the preciousness of prayer—we approach God not through ordinary means but through channels refined and precious. The specific weight indicates standardization; each prince brought the same amount, showing that God receives all His people's prayers equally, regardless of tribal size or prominence. The fullness of the spoon teaches that prayer should be wholehearted, not perfunctory.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Incense was burned on the golden altar inside the holy place, creating fragrant smoke that filled the sanctuary. The incense formula was prescribed by God and could not be replicated for common use. Only the priests could offer it, though in this dedication the princes' offerings were mediated through the priesthood.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the golden spoon full of incense challenge us to see prayer as precious and valuable to God?
  2. What does the standardized amount of incense teach about equality in prayer access regardless of status?
  3. In what ways should the wholehearted fullness of the spoon inform the quality of our prayer life?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
כַּ֥ף1 of 6

spoon

H3709

the hollow hand or palm (so of the paw of an animal, of the sole, and even of the bowl of a dish or sling, the handle of a bolt, the leaves of a palm-

אַחַ֛ת2 of 6

One

H259

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

עֲשָׂרָ֥ה3 of 6

of ten

H6235

ten (as an accumulation to the extent of the digits)

זָהָ֖ב4 of 6

shekels of gold

H2091

gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky

מְלֵאָ֥ה5 of 6

full

H4392

full (literally or figuratively) or filling (literally); also (concretely) fulness; adverbially, fully

קְטֹֽרֶת׃6 of 6

of incense

H7004

a fumigation


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Numbers. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Numbers 7:14 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Numbers 7:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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